Governments and the external operating environment
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Introduction
Students examine the role of governments when planning and operating a small business, such as the opportunities and threats that stem from government action and policies. They also explore the government organisations that provide support and advice to small businesses.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 8, students explain how markets operate and recognise why governments may influence the market’s operation. They explain the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses in terms of financial and economic decision-making. They explain why different types of businesses exist and describe the different ways businesses can respond to opportunities in the market. Students describe influences on the way people work and factors that may affect work in the future.
When researching, students develop questions and gather relevant data and information from different sources to investigate an economic or business issue. They interpret data to identify trends and relationships. They propose a range of alternative responses to an issue and evaluate the costs and benefits of each alternative. They apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts to familiar and unfamiliar problems. Students develop and present evidence-based conclusions using appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They identify the effects of an economic or business decision and the potential consequences of alternative actions.
Content descriptions
Economics and Business Knowledge and Understanding
The ways markets in Australia operate to enable the distribution of resources, and why they may be influenced by government (ACHEK027).
Types of businesses and the ways that businesses respond to opportunities in Australia (ACHEK030).
Economics and Business Skills
Apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts in familiar and new situations (ACHES036).
Teacher resources
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Governments and the external operating environment
Role of government topic cards
Student learning resources
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Governments and the external operating environment
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Suggested activity sequence
This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group.
Part A: The external operating environment
- Use the visualiser to discuss the concept of a SWOT analysis and how government policies and actions form part of the external environment that present both opportunities and threats.
- As a class, read the explainer. Alternatively, have students read the explainer individually and encourage them to take notes using the Cornell note taking system.
Part B: Investigating how government revenue and spending influences the external business environment
Groups organised by topic
- Organise students into 6 groups.
- Explain that students will participate in a jigsaw activity to investigate how the government influences the external business environment. Each student will be required to share their findings with members of other groups.
- Give one of the 6 topic cards to each group.
- Groups investigate the topic they have been given. Explain that their role will be to ‘teach’ others about the topic, to explain how it presents an opportunity or threat to businesses and why it is an important consideration. Possibilities include:
- a definition
- examples if appropriate
- explanation of how it affects businesses.
Groups of 6 students, each with a different topic
- Organise students into groups of 6 so that each member of a group has a different topic.
- Students share information about their topic with the group.